As part of NISIR's strategic commitment to international quality standards, the Institute successfully conducted a rigorous ISO/IEC 17025 internal audit and technical assessment across the Animal Science Research Centre (ASRC), Water Energy & Environment (WERC) laboratories, and NISIR Headquarters. This initiative reinforces laboratory competence, ensures data integrity, and strengthens measurement traceability ahead of external accreditation audits.
The multi-phase audit exercise was designed to evaluate compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 — the global benchmark for testing and calibration laboratories. Teams scrutinized quality management systems, technical procedures, equipment calibration, personnel competency, and method validation. Simultaneously, the ASRC technical team performed a peer-led technical assessment at WERC laboratories, identifying actionable gaps and process improvements.
Strengthening Zambia's Laboratory Excellence
NISIR's laboratories provide critical analytical services for agriculture, water quality, environmental monitoring, and industrial research. The internal audit process goes beyond routine checklist verification; it embeds a culture of continuous improvement and metrological traceability. Dr. Mwila Chanda, Director of Research and Innovation, noted that "achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 17025 compliance is non-negotiable for NISIR as a national reference laboratory. These audits confirm that our results are accurate, reliable, and internationally recognized."
"The technical assessment at WERC by ASRC specialists was a milestone in cross-laboratory collaboration. By identifying non-conformities and improvement areas together, we accelerate our journey toward full accreditation."
Scope of the Internal Audit & Technical Assessment
The comprehensive audit covered five major domains defined by ISO/IEC 17025:2017, with emphasis on impartiality, confidentiality, structural requirements, and technical competence:
Management System Requirements
Document control, internal audits, management review, corrective actions, risk-based thinking, and continual improvement processes were thoroughly examined across all three sites.
Technical Requirements
Personnel competence, equipment calibration, measurement traceability, method validation, uncertainty estimation, and proficiency testing — key pillars of test accuracy.
Data Integrity & Record Keeping
Electronic and paper records, sample traceability, chain of custody, and secure data management practices were audited against ALCOA+ principles.
ASRC Technical Assessment at WERC Laboratories
In an exemplary cross-directorate initiative, senior technical experts from the Animal Science Research Centre led a dedicated technical assessment at the Water, Energy & Environment laboratories. This peer evaluation focused on specific analytical methods including heavy metals analysis in water, pesticide residues, and microbiological testing. The ASRC team used real-time sample testing, observed technician performance, and reviewed validation data to pinpoint gaps in equipment maintenance and method verification. The findings will feed into a corrective action roadmap that WERC is implementing ahead of the final accreditation body visit.
- Identified Strengths: Robust sample management, qualified analysts, and well-documented SOPs for core parameters.
- Improvement Areas: Calibration interval optimization, enhanced uncertainty budgets, and additional inter-laboratory comparisons.
- Immediate Actions: Revised equipment logbooks, updated calibration certificates, and retraining on method validation protocols.
Headquarters Quality Systems Oversight
At NISIR Headquarters, the internal audit team reviewed the central quality management documentation, policy framework, and coordination between directorates. Emphasis was placed on the management review process, client feedback mechanisms, and how top management supports laboratory competence. This holistic approach ensures that quality is not siloed but integrated across the entire research lifecycle — from procurement of reference standards to final reporting.
Preparing for External Accreditation
This internal audit cycle is a critical milestone in NISIR's roadmap towards full accreditation by a recognized national or international accreditation body (e.g., SADCAS or SANAS). By identifying non-conformities early and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), NISIR demonstrates its dedication to technical excellence. The final external assessment is scheduled for Q3 2026, and the lessons from this audit will be instrumental in achieving a successful outcome.
Laboratory accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 provides a competitive advantage for Zambian industry, assures trading partners of test result reliability, and underpins regulatory decisions in public health, environment, and food safety. NISIR's proactive stance positions the Institute as a leader in quality infrastructure within the SADC region.
Moving Forward: Continuous Improvement Culture
Following the audit, each laboratory has developed a detailed action plan to close identified gaps within defined timelines. The Quality Assurance Unit will conduct follow-up reviews to verify effectiveness. Additionally, NISIR plans to roll out expanded internal auditor training and proficiency testing schemes across all research directorates. "This is not a one-time event but a journey toward sustainable quality excellence," remarked Eng. Thomas Banda. "Our goal is that every NISIR laboratory operates at international standards, delivering trust through science."
